NABC Chapter 51: Examination
Chapter 51: Examination
Seeing Huang Yaoshi's puzzled expression, Qian Jin decided not to keep him in suspense and immediately explained to Huang Yaoshi how he had helped the Old Urchin and Master Yideng resolve their feud.
Huang Yaoshi listened with astonishment, and finally couldn't help but praise:
"Haha, it is truly a blessing for the old rascal to have a disciple like you, young friend."
However, judging from the way you caught the fish just now, it doesn't seem like the old rascal taught you that technique!
Qian Jin nodded upon hearing this and said:
"That's right, this movement technique of mine is called Sparrow Catching Skill, and it was taught to me by a friend from my Ancient Tomb Sect."
While chatting, the group put the fish that Qian Jin had caught on the fire to grill.
When the grilled fish was about 70-80% cooked, Qian Jin took out his secret seasoning and sprinkled it on the fish.
A unique aroma instantly wafted from the grilled fish, making Huang Yaoshi's eyes light up.
"Young friend Qian, I never imagined that you would have such skills besides martial arts."
"Luckily, it's me here today. If it were someone else, seeing your amazing fish-grilling skills, they might have bitten their tongue off."
Upon hearing this, Qian Jin couldn't help but laugh and said:
"Is the island master Huang referring to Hong Qigong, the Northern Beggar, or the senior Hong?"
I had long heard that Elder Hong was extremely knowledgeable about food, but unfortunately, he had no fixed abode, so I have never had the chance to meet him.
"A connoisseur of food? Your choice of words is quite unique, young friend. If you ask me, he's just too greedy."
As the two chatted and laughed, the grilled fish in everyone's hands were cooked one after another, and then they put them to their mouths and ate them.
Qian Jin and Huang Yaoshi, unconcerned with formalities, devoured the entire grilled fish in the blink of an eye.
Yelü Yan and the others ate very slowly, chewing in small bites.
Cheng Ying, in particular, held a grilled fish in each hand, hesitating as if she didn't know how to start eating.
Seeing this, Qian Jin couldn't help but say:
"Miss Cheng, I see you seem unsure which one to eat first. How about this, you give me one of them, then you won't have to hesitate."
Upon hearing this, Cheng Ying nodded slightly and then handed one of the grilled fish to Qian Jin.
After Qian Jin took away a grilled fish, Cheng Ying freed one hand and reached out to tear off a piece of fish meat, carefully eating it.
After seeing Cheng Ying finish eating one fish, Qian Jin handed the grilled fish back to her.
Upon seeing this, Cheng Ying quickly shook her head and said:
"Young Master Qian, I've already given you this fish, how can I take it back?"
Upon hearing this, Qian Jin said:
"I caught a total of ten fish. There are five of us, so each of us can have two. If I take more than my share, wouldn't that be even worse?"
"Besides, I only asked you for a grilled fish to get it for you. If you don't want it now, do you expect me to feed you?"
No, it's not.
Cheng Ying was startled upon hearing this. She quickly took the grilled fish, her face instantly turning red. She lowered her head, not daring to look at Qian Jin again.
Seeing this, Huang Yaoshi sighed and said:
"My little apprentice is probably because he's spent too much time with this old man, so he's particularly shy."
She blushes when talking to people, which is why she likes to always wear a human skin mask.
Upon hearing this, Qian Jin said:
"It would be such a pity if Miss Cheng, who is so beautiful, were to always wear a human skin mask."
"If Master Huang trusts me, why not let Miss Cheng travel the world with me? That way, she'll have more contact with people her own age, which will help temper her shy nature."
"That's excellent!"
Huang Yaoshi laughed heartily upon hearing this, then turned to Cheng Ying and said:
"Cheng Ying, you have followed me in martial arts training for many years, it's time for you to venture out into the martial world."
This young friend Qian is first-rate in both martial arts and character. With you training under his guidance in the martial world, I can rest assured.
Upon hearing this, Cheng Ying quickly bowed to Qian and said:
"Young Master Qian, my daughter will follow your advice and will not cause you any trouble in the future."
"Haha, Miss Cheng, you're too kind."
Since I'm willing to let you adventure with me, why would I be afraid that you'll cause me trouble?
"And from now on, we're comrades, so we should take care of each other. You don't need to keep calling me Young Hero Qian; just call me Brother Qian, like they do!"
Cheng Ying nodded upon hearing this, and then gently called out, "Brother Qian."
……
After everyone had eaten their fill, Huang Yaoshi should have left gracefully, but then he remembered that Qian Jin's martial arts skills had now combined the strengths of several schools.
The old rascal and Master Yideng had both passed on their signature skills to Qian Jin.
In addition, having witnessed Qian Jin's amazing grilled fish skills today, what if he were to meet Hong Qigong someday?
Given Hong Qigong's gluttonous nature, it's highly likely that he would pass on his Eighteen Subduing Dragon Palms to Qian Jin just for a delicious meal.
Moreover, this wasn't the first time he'd done something like this; he was very experienced at it.
No, no, if that's the case, when the next Mount Hua Sword Tournament comes around, those old guys will all pass on their secret techniques to Qian Jin, wouldn't he be at a huge disadvantage?
He's already fallen behind the Old Urchin and Master Yideng by a hand; he absolutely cannot fall behind that old beggar.
Hmm... and that old poisoner too.
Thinking of this, Huang Yaoshi's eyes darted around, and he immediately smiled at Qian Jin:
"Young friend Qian, you told me before that the Old Rascal made a bet with Master Yideng, saying that as long as Master Yideng teaches you his One Finger Divine Skill three times, you will be able to fully comprehend it."
I'm quite curious about this, so how about I teach you my secret technique three times and see how much you can grasp?
Qian Jin was overjoyed upon hearing this, but still hesitated before saying:
"Island Master Huang, we've only just met today, and you're already passing on your secret techniques to me? That's not quite right!"
Upon hearing this, Huang Yaoshi waved his hand and said:
"What's wrong with that? Although we're only meeting for the first time today, we're already friends despite the age difference."
Besides, wasn't the lightness skill you used earlier taught to you by a friend? Is there any difference between us?
Besides, I only said that I would teach you my secret technique three times. Whether you can understand it or not depends on your own ability.
Upon hearing this, Qian Jin immediately laughed and said:
"Haha, so Island Master Huang wants to test me. In that case, I'll gladly accept. Island Master Huang, please tell me whatever tricks you have up your sleeve."
Upon hearing Qian Jin's words, Huang Yaoshi suddenly had the idea of giving Qian Jin a good test.
Although there was a bet between the Old Rascal and Master Yideng, he was truly skeptical that someone could comprehend his unique skill after only listening to it three times.
Even if this young friend Qian has extremely high martial arts talent, Huang Yaoshi has never seen anyone so amazing that he could comprehend superior martial arts in just three times.
It's only interesting if you try it.
And since we're going to give the test, we should definitely make it a bit more difficult.